Stand system and method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a stand are provided with continuous adjustability within a range of travel. In one embodiment, a stand includes a movement mechanism adapted to allow a tray to move along a range of travel relative to a stand base. The movement mechanism is in some embodiments further adapted to position the tray at an infinite number of locations along the range of travel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/797,562, filed May 4, 2006, and titled Notebook Stand System andMethod, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The following disclosure describes embodiments of the invention thatgenerally relate to stands, and more particularly relate to adjustablestands.

BACKGROUND

Recently, notebook computers have gained in popularity due to theirdecreasing size and weight. A computer user often finds the portabilityof a notebook useful, for example, when traveling, or working from bothhome and the office. Unfortunately, the design features of notebooksthat allow them to be portable also make them ergonomically awkward touse, especially for long periods of time. Traditional stands have beenprovided to allow for some notebook position adjustability, but thesestands typically only allow a user to set the position of the notebookin a relatively few pre-set positions and are generally difficult toadjust.

Projectors, such as video projectors, are commonly used in conjunctionwith notebooks and other types of computers, but are also popular inmany additional applications. While video projectors are useful forpresenting information and entertainment, their orientation and locationoften need adjustment to account for a variety of factors, e.g., height,distance, and angle with respect to a projection surface. Unfortunately,typical video projectors and/or makeshift stands used to support videoprojectors can be difficult to adjust and may provide only a limitednumber of positions. In addition, video projectors can have a largefootprint which can occupy more of a support surface than is desirable.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention includes a stand for supporting anobject, e.g., a notebook or a projector. The stand provides continuousadjustability along a range of travel. Such a stand can include a base,a support member coupled to the base, a tray coupled to the supportmember with a generally planar tray surface for supporting an object,and a movement mechanism adapted to allow the tray to move along a rangeof travel relative to the base, and further adapted to position the trayat an infinite number of locations along the range of travel. In oneembodiment, the movement mechanism can include a pivot mechanism. In analternative embodiment, the movement mechanism can include a liftmechanism.

A method of positioning a stand can include providing a stand includinga tray having a generally planar tray surface coupled to a base with amovement mechanism, moving the tray at least partially through a rangeof travel relative to the base, and positioning the tray at one of aninfinite number of locations along the range of travel. Anotherembodiment can further include locking the stand to retain the tray atone of the infinite number of locations. An alternate embodiment caninclude placing an object, such as a notebook or a projector, on thetray and moving the tray using a force less than the weight of theobject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) shows a schematic representation of a stand supporting anotebook in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1(b) shows a front perspective view of a stand supporting aprojector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2(a) shows a side elevation view of a stand including a bar linkagein accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2(b) shows a top plan view of the stand of FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 2(c) shows a front elevation view of the stand of FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 2(d) shows a front perspective view of the stand of FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 3(a) shows a front perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a slider bar in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3(b) shows a side perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a slider bar in a first position in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3(c) shows a side perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a slider bar in a second position in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3(d) shows a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a standin a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3(e) shows a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of a standin a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4(a) shows a rear perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a rotating bracket in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4(b) shows a front perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a rotating bracket in a first position in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4(c) shows a front perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a rotating bracket in a second position in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5(a) shows a front perspective view of an object and standincluding a locking mechanism with a plunger assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5(b) shows a front perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a plunger assembly in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 5(c) shows a front perspective view of a stand including a lockingmechanism with a plunger assembly in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6(a) shows a front perspective view of a locking mechanism for thestand shown in FIGS. 5(a)-(c).

FIG. 6(b) shows a front cross-sectional view of a locking mechanism forthe stand shown in FIGS. 5(a)-(c).

FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of a stand base in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a tray in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom plan view of a tray in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10(a) shows a side elevation view of a stand including a foldingtray in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10(b) shows a side elevation view of a stand including a foldingtray in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11(a) shows a top plan view of a stand including a sliding tray ina first position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11(b) shows a top plan view of a stand including a sliding tray ina second position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11(c) shows a top plan view of a stand including a sliding tray ina first position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11(d) shows a top plan view of a stand including a sliding tray ina second position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12(a) shows a side elevation view of a stand including a foldingtray and link in a first position in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 12(b) shows a side elevation view of a stand including a foldingtray and link in a second position in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 13(a) shows a side perspective view of a stand including an arm inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13(b) shows a side perspective view of a stand including an arm inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13(c) shows a side perspective view of a stand including an arm inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13(d) shows a perspective view of a stand including an inductivecharger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14(a) shows a schematic representation of a stand including adeformable base in a first position in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 14(b) shows a schematic representation of a stand including adeformable base in a second position in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 15(a) shows a front perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15(b) shows a rear perspective view of a stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15(c) shows a side elevation view of a stand and external keyboardin a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15(d) shows a side elevation view of a stand and external keyboardin a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16(a) shows a side perspective view of a stand including a movementmechanism comprising a lift engine in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 16(b) shows a side perspective view of a stand including a movementmechanism comprising a lift engine in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 16(c) shows a side perspective view of a stand including a movementmechanism comprising a lift engine in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 17(a) shows a front elevation view of a stand including a heightadjustable wall mount in a first position in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17(b) shows a front elevation view of a stand including a heightadjustable wall mount in a second position in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a stand in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a lift mechanism useful as amovement mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20(a) shows a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of thelift mechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 20(b) shows a front elevation partial cross-sectional view of thelift mechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 20(c) shows a bottom plan partial cross-sectional view of the liftmechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 20(d) shows a top plan partial cross-sectional view of the liftmechanism of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21(a) shows a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of abullet mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21(b) shows a side elevation partial cross-sectional view of abullet mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21(c) shows a side elevation view of a bullet mechanism inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 shows a front perspective view of a lift mechanism includingcross supports in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numberedidentically. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, andmanufacturing processes are provided for selected elements. All otherelements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of theexamples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

The following disclosure discusses stand systems and methods forsupporting an object, such as a notebook or a projector, with agenerally planar object surface. Generally, “notebook” refers to aportable personal computer, sometimes referred to as a “laptop.”Notebooks in various embodiments can include a processor, a memorysystem, an input device such as a keyboard or mouse, an output devicesuch as a screen or display, various compartments for receivingremovable media, and a port system, among other elements. Generally,“projector” refers to a video projector, including but not limited toprojectors using cathode ray tube, LCD, DLP, and LCOS technology. Avideo projector in various embodiments can include an illuminationsystem, a lens system, an input port, and processing electronics, allconfigured to receive an electronic signal and project a correspondingimage upon a display surface. Various embodiments of the standsdiscussed herein can support objects, including projectors andnotebooks, and have several advantages over prior stands, such asallowing an object to be positioned at any suitable location within arange of travel rather than set into a predefined position. In addition,the various embodiments of the stands discussed herein are easilymaneuverable, such as providing for easy adjustment of the object'sposition with one hand. For example, stands in accordance withembodiments of the invention are moveable using less than a predefinedpercentage of the object weight. In some embodiments, the stand andobject can be maneuvered using a force equal to 10% or less of theweight of the object itself. All of these properties are provided in astand that is low cost to produce and highly reliable.

FIG. 1(a) shows a schematic representation of a stand 10 in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The stand 10 includes a tray 12functionally coupled to a support member 14, which in turn isfunctionally coupled to a base 16. The base can include any mechanismuseful for supporting or connecting the support member to a supportsurface, such as a horizontal (e.g., desk top) or vertical (e.g., wall)support surface. The tray 12 can include a generally planar tray surface13, and can support an object 18, such as, for example, a notebook asshown in FIG. 1(a) or a projector as shown in FIG. 1(b). In someembodiments the generally planar tray surface 13 can support an object18 with a generally planar object surface 15. For example, in oneembodiment, the generally planar object surface 15 can be a lowerexterior surface of an object such as a notebook or a projector. In theembodiment shown, a movement mechanism 20 functionally couples thesupport member 14 with the base 16. The movement mechanism 20 is adaptedto allow the support arm 14 and the tray 12 to move along a range oftravel relative to the base 16. For example, in one embodiment themovement mechanism 20 allows the support arm 14 to pivot with respect tothe base 16. As the support arm 14 pivots, it raises and/or lowers thetray 12 with respect to the base 16. With such movement, a user canconveniently move the tray 12 between two or more positions or locationsalong the range of travel.

According to one embodiment, the movement mechanism 20 is adapted toprovide continuous adjustability along the range of travel. Aspreviously discussed, prior stands only include a discrete number oftray positions. The movement mechanism 20 of the present embodiment isadapted to set or position the tray 12 at an infinite number oflocations along the range of travel. For example, in one embodiment, thetray 12 can be repositioned to a new location along the range of travel,and tray 12 will be substantially retained at that location against thegravitational force exerted by the tray 12 and the object 18. Theinternals of the movement mechanism 20 may be any suitable devicecapable of moving (e.g., raising, lowering, and/or pivoting) the standin a controlled and reproducible counterbalanced type manner, such as alift mechanism (sometimes referred to herein as a lift engine) and/or apivot mechanism. In some embodiments, the movement mechanismcounterbalances the weight of the object to allow a user to position theobject using a force less than the weight of the object (e.g., less than10% of the weight of the object). In certain embodiments, the movementmechanism 20 may include a pivot mechanism coupled between the base 16and the support member 14, and this pivot mechanism may allow the object18 and the tray 12 to be controllably pivoted between two or morelocations along the range of travel. The pivot mechanism can be anysuitable mechanism to provide this function, such as the spring orfriction pivot described further below.

Referring again to FIG. 1(a), the tray 12 can be functionally coupled tothe support member 14 with a pivot 22 (e.g., a friction or spring pivot)that allows the tray 12 and the object 18 to be tilted relative to thesupport member 14. This embodiment can allow the position of the tray 12and the object 18 to be adjusted without changing the angle of the tray12 relative to the base 16. In such embodiments, the tray may be movedback and forth or up and down while always having the tray horizontaland parallel with a horizontal support surface such as a floor. Ofcourse, in some embodiments, the pivot 22 can allow the tray 12 andobject 18 to be tilted relative to the base 16. In alternateembodiments, the stand 10 can allow the tray 12 to be tilted relative tothe base 16 without the use of the pivot 22 as will be described belowin more detail.

Referring to FIGS. 2(a)-(d), various views are shown of a stand 10similar to the stand 10 of FIGS. 1(a) and (b) without the tray 12. Thestand 10 includes the support member 14 coupled to the base 16 via themovement mechanism 20 as described with respect to FIG. 1(a). The pivot22 can be used to functionally couple a tray, such as the tray 12 ofFIG. 1(a), to the support member 14. The support member 14 can comprisea bar linkage, such as, for example a four-bar linkage. As used herein,“bar linkage” is used in some embodiments to refer to the support member14 without intending to limit the support member 14 to embodimentscomprising a bar linkage. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the support member 14comprising a four-bar linkage can include four bars, representedschematically as D1, D2, L1, and L2, coupled together at theirrespective ends. In some embodiments the support member 14 can comprisetwo or more four-bar linkages. For example, the stand 10 depicted inFIGS. 2(a)-2(d) comprises a four-bar linkage including bars 24, 25, 28,and 30, and another four-bar linkage including bars 26, 27, 29, and 31.

FIGS. 3(a)-(e) further show the movement mechanism 20 in greater detailin accordance with one embodiment. The movement mechanism 20 comprises apivot mechanism including a spring or friction pivot. As can be seen inFIG. 3(c), the pivot mechanism includes first and second torsion springs53 and 54 wound around an axle 55 mounted on the base 16 between frames28 and 29. Although the following embodiment discusses the use of twosprings, it should be appreciated that only one or more than two torsionsprings are contemplated. One end of each torsion spring 53, 54 isbiased against the four-bar linkage 14, and the opposite end of eachtorsion spring 53, 54 is mounted within an adjustment block 56. In oneembodiment, the torsion springs are wound around the axle 55 tightlyenough to exert an expanding force between the base 16 and the four-barlinkage 14, thus providing a counter balancing force against the trayand/or the weight of an object, such as a projector or notebook, placedon the tray. For example, in a stationary position, the springs provideenough force to prevent the tray from lowering on its own. The springforce, however, is not large enough to raise the tray withoutassistance. A user can overcome the spring force by moving the tray upor down to a new position. Once in the new position, the spring forceagain keeps the tray stationary. In some embodiments the pivot mechanismmay provide a stationary force substantially equal to the weight of anobject, for example a notebook or a projector, thus enabling easymovement of the tray. In some embodiments the tension of the spring andthe spring force can be adjusted by adjusting an adjustment screw 57which in turn moves the adjustment block 56.

In some embodiments the stand 10 can allow the tray 12 to be tiltedrelative to the base 16 without the use of a pivot 22, as previouslydiscussed. Referring to FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the tray 12 previouslymentioned can attach directly to extending portions 32 and 33 of couplerbars 30 and 31 respectively without the use of an additional pivot. Asthe support member 14 is pivoted with respect to the base 16, extendingportions 32, 33, and any tray attached thereto, tilt with respect to thebase 16. For example, in a first position shown in FIG. 4(b), thesupport member 14 is lifted away from the base 16 and the extendingportions 32, 33 (and any attached tray) are tilted forward with respectto the base 16. In a second position shown in FIG. 4(c), the supportmember 14 is lowered towards the base 16 and the extending portions 32,33 (and any attached tray) are generally parallel with the base 16.

The rate an attached tray tilts along the range of travel with respectto the base 16 can be adjusted by changing the length of one or more ofthe bars D1, D2, L1, and L2 (as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 4(b)). Forexample, in some embodiments the length of bar D1 is greater than thelength of bar D2. This arrangement provides for a greater amount of tiltof the tray as the support structure travels through its range ofmotion, and is useful for providing an attached tray with a larger rangeof travel.

Accordingly, various degrees of tilt can be provided along the range oftravel. For example, the dimensions of one or more of the bars D1, D2,L1, and L2 can be shortened or lengthened to achieve varying amounts oftilt. Alternatively, embodiments including a pivot such as pivot 22 inFIGS. 3(a)-3(e), can allow a tray to tilt to varying degrees along therange of travel. In some embodiments, the tray is always tilted lessthan 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. In anotherembodiment the tray is always tilted less than 60 degrees with respectto a horizontal plane. In another embodiment the tray is always tiltedless than 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. It will beappreciated that the tilt can be limited to many angles and that theabove limits are merely exemplary embodiments.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a stand with a lockingmechanism. Such a locking mechanism is useful for locking the tray intoa desired position. FIGS. 3(a)-(c) show various views of a stand 10including a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. The locking mechanism can allow the position of the stand 10to be locked and unlocked, as further shown in the embodiments depictedin FIGS. 4(a)-(c), 5(a)-(c), and 6(a) and 6(b). Referring again to FIGS.3(a)-(c), the tray 12 for holding an object, such as a notebook or aprojector, can be functionally coupled to the pivot 22 (e.g., a frictionor spring pivot) and the pivot 22 can be coupled to the movementmechanism 20 (e.g., a pivot mechanism including a spring) via thesupport member 14. As is shown, the support member 14 comprises a barlinkage. The support member 14 can comprise, for example, two four-barlinkages. One four-bar linkage can include bars 24 and 25 correspondingto schematic bars L2 and L1 respectively. Another four-bar linkage caninclude bars 26 and 27, likewise corresponding to schematic bars L2 andL1 respectively. As used herein, the L2 bars 24, 26 are also describedas input bars 24, 26 and the L1 bars 25, 27 are also described asfollower bars 25, 27. The base 16 can comprise bars or frames 28, 29,which correspond to schematic bar D1, for attaching the support member14. The support member 14 can further comprise bars or coupler bars 30,31, which correspond to schematic bar D2, attached at the respectiveends of bars 24, 25 and 26, 27.

The locking mechanism in this embodiment can include a slider bar 34that is functionally coupled to the bar linkage 14 at two joints of thebar linkage 14 such that it keeps the bar linkage 14 from collapsingwhen the slider bar 34 is locked in place. For example, the slider bar34 can be coupled between a first joint 36 and a second joint 38, whichare on opposite ends of bars 24 and 25 on one side of the bar linkage14. The slider bar 34 can be pivotally connected to the first joint 36and can be connected to the second joint 38 via a slot 40 and aremovable fastener 42 (e.g., a screw knob or levered cam clamp).

As shown in FIG. 3(b), as the height of the stand 10 increases, therelative distance between the first joint 36 and the second joint 38increases, and the slider bar 34 pivots and slides away from the secondjoint 38 along the slot 40. As shown in FIG. 3(c), as the height of thestand 10 decreases, the relative distance between the first joint 36 andthe second joint 38 decreases, and the slider bar 34 pivots and slidestoward the second joint 38 along the slot 40. As shown in FIGS. 3(b) and(c), the slot 40 can have endpoints 44 and 46. At any desired positionalong the extent of the slot 40 between endpoints 44, 46, the slider bar34 can be locked in place against the frame 28 with the removablefastener 42, which in this embodiment is a screw knob. This embodimentallows the height of the stand 10 to be locked at an infinite number ofpositions along the extent of the slot 40 instead of a low number ofpre-fixed positions as in previous locking mechanisms.

In use, and referring again to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3(b) and3(c), a user can adjust the stand 10 by first unlocking the lockingmechanism. To do so, the user can unfasten fastener 42, which in thiscase involves turning a screw knob. The user can then adjust the heightof the stand 10 freely to a newly desired position. As the user raisesthe tray 12, the slider bar 34 pivots around first joint 36 and slidesalong the slot 40 away from the second joint 38 up to a maximum extentdefined by the end point 46 of the slot 40. As the user lowers the tray12, the slider bar 34 pivots around first joint 36 and slides along theslot 40 towards the second joint 38 up to a maximum extent defined bythe end point 44 of the slot 40. When the user has adjusted the stand 10into the desired position, he or she can fasten the fastener 42 to lockthe slider bar 34 in place, which in this embodiment involves turningthe screw knob to tighten the slider bar 34 against the frame 28. Thus,the position of the stand is locked for normal weight bearing purposes.For example, the locking mechanism may resist movement of the tray fromthe weight of an object such as a notebook or a projector, or in someembodiments may resist an amount of force greater than the objectweight, for example 1-5 lbs force greater.

FIGS. 4(a)-(c) show an embodiment of the stand 10 with a lockingmechanism including the removable fastener 42 and a rotating bracket 48.The rotating bracket 48 can be attached to the input bar 24 and caninclude a curved slot 50 through with the removable fastener 42 iscoupled with the frame 28. As the height of the stand is increased ordecreased, the rotating bracket 48 and the curved slot 50 rotate withthe input bar 24 about a third joint 52 of the bar linkage 14. Therotation of the rotating bracket 48 and the curved slot 50 is relativeto the frame 28. The removable fastener 42, in this embodiment a leveredcam clamp, can act to lock rotation of the rotating bracket relative tothe frame 28 at any position along the extent of the curved slot 50between endpoints 54, 56 of the curved slot 50. This allows the heightof the stand 10 to be locked at any desired position along the extent ofthe curved slot 50 between the endpoints 54, 56.

Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4(a)-(c), a user canunlock the stand 10 by unfastening the fastener 42, which here includespulling the cam clamp lever away from the rotating bracket 48. The usercan then freely adjust the stand to a newly desired position. As theuser raises or lowers the tray 12, the rotating bracket 48 and thecurved slot 50 rotate around the third joint 52 up to a maximum rotationdefined by the endpoints 54, 56 of the curved slot 50. When the stand isin the desired position, the user can refasten the fastener 42, i.e.,pushing back the cam clamp lever, to lock the rotating bracket 48against the frame 28. Thus, the height of the stand is locked for normalweight bearing purposes.

FIGS. 5(a)-(c) show an embodiment of a stand 10 with a locking mechanismincluding a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly can include a plunger60 and first and second torsion springs 62, 63. Although the followingembodiment discusses the use of two springs, it should be appreciatedthat locking mechanisms with only one or more than two torsion springsare contemplated. FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show a detailed view of theplunger 60 and the torsion springs 62, 63. The plunger 60 includes afirst end 64 for actuating the plunger and a second end 66, dimensionedto engage the first and second torsion springs 62, 63. A mounting bar 68can include an aperture 70 for mounting the plunger 60 with respect tothe torsion springs 62, 63. Referring to FIG. 5(c), the mounting bar 68can be mounted with screws or another fastener between the coupler bars30, 31 of the bar linkage 14. Referring again to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), aplunger spring 72 around the plunger biases the plunger in a positionaway from the mounting bar 68. In some embodiments, the plunger spring72 can be attached at its ends to one or both of the plunger 60 and themounting bar 68 using fasteners (e.g., an adhesive or receiving groovesin the plunger or mounting bar). In some embodiments, the plunger spring72 may not be attached to either the plunger 60 or the mounting bar 68and may be placed about a portion of the plunger 60 and allowed to restagainst a portion of the mounting bar 68.

The first and second torsion springs 62, 63 are mounted around an innermandrel 74, a first outer mandrel 76, and a second outer mandrel 78,respectively. The outer mandrels 76, 78 can be attached with themounting bar 68 to the coupler bars 30, 31, as shown in FIG. 5(c), suchthat the outer mandrels rotate with the coupler bars. The inner mandrel74 can be attached to the ends of the follower bars 25, 27 such that theinner mandrel rotates with the follower bars. For example, pegs 80 onone or both ends of the inner mandrel 74 can fit into correspondingnotches 81 in the ends of the follower bars (notches shown in FIG.4(c)).

Referring to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), a portion of the first torsion spring62 is attached to the first outer mandrel 76, and a portion of thesecond torsion spring 63 is attached to the second outer mandrel 78. Insome embodiments, the diameter of the outer mandrels, D_(OM), are largerthan the inner diameter of the torsion springs 62, 63 in order to lockthe torsion springs onto the outer mandrels with frictional resistance.In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner mandrel, D_(IM), issmaller than D_(OM), the diameter of the outer mandrels. For example, insome embodiments D_(IM) can be about 0.1 to 0.5 mm smaller than D_(OM).In another embodiment, the difference in diameter can be about 0.3 mm.In an alternative embodiment, the diameters of the inner mandrel 74 andthe outer mandrels 76, 78 can be substantially the same and a torsionspring with multiple sections of varying tension can be used to lock themandrels.

In a locked position, the inner diameter of the torsion springs issmaller than D_(IM). The frictional resistance between the torsionsprings and the inner mandrel 74 prevents the inner mandrel 74 fromrotating with respect to the torsion springs and the outer mandrels 76,78 under normal load bearing conditions. Because the outer mandrels areattached to the coupler bars 30, 31 and the inner mandrel is connectedto the follower bars 25, 27, movement of the bar linkage 14 isrestricted, and the height position of the stand 10 is locked. In someembodiments, the torsion springs 62, 63 include round and/or squarewire. In some embodiments, the torsion springs 62, 63 include onlysquare wire in order to increase the surface area of the torsion springsin contact with the inner mandrel 74 and thus increase the frictionalresistance and locking strength.

In an open position of the torsion springs, the inner diameter of thetorsion springs 62, 63 is large enough to allow the inner mandrel 74 torotate with respect to the outer mandrels 76, 78. In this embodiment,the inner diameter of the torsion springs 62, 63 remains small enough sothat the torsion springs remain locked on the outer mandrels 76, 78. Insome embodiments, the diameter D_(IM) of the inner mandrel 74 can remainslightly larger than the inner diameter of the torsion springs 62, 63 toprovide some resistance as the inner mandrel 74 rotates. Although thisembodiment provides for the torsion springs 62, 63 to remain locked onthe outer mandrels as the inner mandrel 74 rotates, it should beappreciated that other configurations are possible. For example, thetorsion springs can be locked on the inner mandrel 74, but remain freewith respect to the outer mandrels 76, 78 as the inner mandrel rotates.

In some embodiments, each torsion spring 62, 63 can include a spring leg82 that allows the second end 66 of the plunger 60 to increase ordecrease the inner diameter of the torsion springs. It should beappreciated that the locking mechanism can be biased to be normallylocked or normally open. For example, in a normally lockedconfiguration, the torsion springs lock the inner mandrel in theirnormal state. In FIG. 6(a), when the plunger 60 is pushed down, thesecond end 66 of the plunger engages the spring leg 82 in order to openthe first torsion spring 62 (i.e., increase the spring inner diameter).A similar effect occurs with the second torsion spring 63. Varyingamounts of engagement can be provided in different embodiments. In oneembodiment, the plunger can open torsion springs 62, 63 by pushing downon the spring legs 3.0-5.0 mm. In the open position, the inner mandrel74 can rotate with respect to the outer mandrels 76, 78. When theplunger returns to its spring-biased state, the torsion springs returnto their normally locked state. In an embodiment with a similar butopposite configuration, normally opened torsion springs 62, 63 can allowthe inner mandrel 74 to rotate until the plunger 60 is pushed down. Thesecond end 66 of the plunger can then engage the spring legs in order totighten the torsion springs against the inner mandrel 74, thus lockingthe inner mandrel with respect to the outer mandrels under normal loadbearing conditions.

In some embodiments, like those shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), a tray 12is attached to the stand 10 for supporting the object 18. In theseembodiments, the object 18 can act to actuate the plunger 60 in order tolock or unlock the height position of the stand. In some embodimentsincluding the tray 12, the length of the plunger 60 can vary in order toprotrude far enough above the tray 12 in order to allow it to beactuated by a user or the object 18. For example, the plunger length canin one embodiment vary up to about 15.0 mm in order to be actuated byobjects with different generally planar object surface profiles.

In some embodiments of a normally locked stand of FIGS. 5(a)-(c) and6(a) and 6(b), a user can adjust and lock the stand in the followingmanner. In some embodiments, the stand 10 with a object 18 mountedthereon is normally locked in that the torsion springs 62, 63 are woundtightly around the inner mandrel 74 so that the inner mandrel 74 can notrotate due to the frictional resistance of the torsion springs 62, 63against the inner mandrel. In order to adjust the height of the stand10, the user can remove the object 18, or in some embodiments, manuallyengage, the plunger 60. When released, the plunger 60 can release thespring legs 82 of the torsion springs 62, 63 in order to increase thediameter of the torsion springs, thus unlocking the stand in that theincreased diameter of the torsion springs loosens their grip on theinner mandrel 74 so it can rotate. After the user has adjusted the standto the desired height, he or she can return the object 18, or otherwiseapply pressure to the plunger 60. The plunger 60 then engages the springlegs 82, thus allowing the torsion springs 62, 63 to become tightlywound around the inner mandrel 74. Thus, the height of the stand isagain locked for weight bearing purposes. Of course, the stand 10 couldbe configured to normally be in the locked position, the plungerengaging the torsion spring to place the stand in the unlocked position.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a stand base 83 that can be used inembodiments of the invention. As shown in the embodiment, base 83 canhave a generally Y-shaped footprint with a back portion comprising backleg 84 and a front portion comprising two front legs 86. As shown in theembodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the stand 10 can position the tray over thefront legs 86 in order to more evenly distribute the weight of theobject supported by the tray and lessen the risk of tipping. In someembodiments, the base 83 can include a pad 88 placed at the end of theback leg 84. The pad 88 can comprise a polymer, such as polyurethane,which provides some frictional resistance against the support surfaceupon which the stand is placed. The frictional resistance from the pad88 can lessen slippage of the base 83. In one embodiment, the base 83can also include wheels 90 for rotating the base 16. The wheels 90 canbe located proximal the ends of the front legs 86. The wheels 90 canalso comprise polyurethane in order to provide some traction upon thesupport surface. When the base 83 is placed on the support surface, auser can rotate the base generally along dashed line 92. The pad 88 actsas a pivot point, slipping enough to rotate slightly, but not enough tosubstantially change position. As shown, the wheels may have an axisgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad (e.g., withinabout 10 degrees or less).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tray 100 according to some embodimentsof the invention. Tray 100 can include a generally planar tray surface13 for supporting an object. The tray 100 can optionally include aretention slide 102 and/or an extension slide 104. The retention slide102 generally includes a sliding portion 106 and a retaining portion108, which in this embodiment includes feet 110. The retaining portion108 can act to retain an object upon the tray 100 by preventing thefront edge of the object from sliding forward off the tray 100. Slidingportion 106 provides the retention slide 102 with an adjustable lengthto accommodate objects of different sizes. Similarly, the extensionslide 104 can slide out in order to extend the size of the tray 100 tosupport both larger and smaller objects.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a tray 110. The tray 110 includes sideextensions 112 that can be adjusted in order to increase the overallsize of the tray 110. In one embodiment, a user can extend one or bothside extensions 112 in order to, for example, support larger objectssuch as larger notebooks and/or projectors. In the embodiment depictedin FIG. 8, the tray 110 includes a gear 114. The gear 114 engagesextension arms 116 of each side extension 112. As one side extension isextended, the extension arm of that side extension engages the gear 114.

The gear 114 at the same time engages the opposite extension arm,forcing the opposite side extension to also extend. According to oneembodiment, the gear 114 acts so that both side extensions 112 areequally extended, thus ensuring that the tray 110 is balanced about acenterline 118. Of course, the side extensions 112 and the variousextensions shown in FIG. 8 can all be provided on a single tray.

With reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), some embodiments of theinvention include a stand 120 with a folding tray 122. The stand 120 maybe provided with a base 16 which may be attached to a vertical supportsurface (e.g., a wall) or a horizontal support surface such as a desk.The stand 120 can also include a support member 14 which may also besupported by a horizontal support surface such as a desk. The stand 120may have at least two positions. In one position the tray 122 is foldeddown and the object 18 is available for use by a user, as shown in FIG.10(a). In a second position the object 18 and tray 122 have moved to avertical position as shown in FIG. 10(b). For example, the verticalposition can be substantially parallel with a vertical support surface(e.g., wall). In another embodiment, the tray 122 may only be moved to aposition less than 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal supportsurface. Embodiments such as this are useful for supporting a notebookand for providing an open work space that is easily convertible into acomputer work station by moving the notebook between the first andsecond positions.

The tray 122 may be moved between the first and second positions by anysuitable manner, such as with the movement mechanism 20 previouslydiscussed. For example, movement mechanism 20 can comprise a pivotmechanism included proximate an edge of the tray 122 supporting theobject 18 and this pivot may allow the object 18 and the tray 122 to becontrollably pivoted between the first and second positions. The pivotmechanism can be any suitable mechanism to provide this function, suchas a spring or friction pivot or a pivot comprising a rotary cam device,including the pivot mechanisms described above, and any number of pivotsmay be provided. With reference to FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), someembodiments include two pivot mechanisms.

With further reference to FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), accessories may also bemoved between the first and second positions. For example, a mouse tray124 may be provided to move along with the object 18. In addition, acord holder 126 may be provided. In some embodiments an entire computingsystem including the mouse, cords, and any accessory may be movedsimultaneously between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments the object 18 and the tray 122 pivot between a firstposition and second position and slide toward and away from a user.Referring to FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), in some embodiments, a guiding arm128 is provided to link the tray 122 and a support structure, such as awall or a desk. It should be noted that the guiding arm 128 in theseembodiments does not have to support the weight of the object 18 butsimply guides it along the tracks provided. The guiding arm 128 maycomprise a two bar link arm system. The first bar 130 has a first endthat is attached to the support surface and a second end that isattached to a pivot 132. The second bar 134 has a first end attached tothe pivot 132 and a second end attached to a pivot 136 that is alsoattached to the tray 122 and/or support member 14. In such embodimentsthe tray 122 may be moved in a horizontal plane parallel with a floor.In a first horizontal position the tray may be moved outward to extendthe guiding arm 128, as shown in FIG. 11(a). In a second horizontalposition, the tray 122 may be moved inward to collapse the guiding arm128, as shown in FIG. 11(b).

Referring to FIGS. 11(c) and 11(d), in some embodiments one or moreparallel tracks 138 may be provided beneath the support member and/ortray 122 to enable sliding movement, as shown in a first horizontalposition in FIG. 11(c) and a second horizontal position in FIG. 11(d).In such embodiments a user can pivot the tray 122 to clear work spacebut may also position the tray 122 fore and aft. Tracks 138 can beprovided with and without a guiding arm. These guiding features allowthe tray 122 to be engaged with the pivots to enable movement betweenthe first and second positions. Without such an arm or tracks a usercould miss the pivot location when attempting to engage the tray.

FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are side elevation views of a stand 140 includinga folding tray 122 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Asis shown, in some embodiments, the stand 140 can be mounted to avertical support 142, such as a wall. The stand 140 is similar to theembodiments of FIGS. 11(a)-(d) except base 16 attaches to and issupported by the vertical support 142. When the tray 122 is moved intothe upright position, additional space is created within the room.Embodiments such as this may be desirable in locations such as thehallways of hospitals where computers must be used and space is anissue.

The stand 140 can include a link 144 attached to the support member 14and the vertical support 142. This link 144 allows the support member 14to be set horizontally and hold weight without disengaging from thevertical support 142. The movement mechanism 20 itself can be the samepivot mechanism as discussed above with the link 144 only serving as asafety apparatus to avoid disengagement.

In some embodiments the stand 140 is provided with an automatic closeoption. In such embodiments the tray 122 will move between the first andsecond positions based on some initiating event. In some embodimentssupporting a notebook, the initiating event is a time delay from thelast time the notebook was engaged. For example, after five minutes ofno use the support member 14 may automatically fold into the verticalsupport surface 142, e.g., a wall. In another embodiment, a user couldmanually engage the automatic close such by applying a slight upwardforce onto the bottom surface of the support member 14. The automaticclose option would then continue the closure until the support member 14was engaged with the wall. Such embodiments may be accomplished using amovement mechanism, such as a lift mechanism. For example, a liftmechanism including a cam surface and a spring attached to the verticalsupport surface 142 and adapted to pull the link 144 inward/upward toraise and close the tray. The cam surface and spring would interact tohave a relatively high initiation force and a relatively high closureforce but in between the forces would be substantially balanced enablingthe base to close against the wall. Such a cam surface is described inApplicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,306, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. In another embodiment, a rotary cam is usedto pull the link to close the tray when activated.

Referring to FIGS. 13(a)-(c), stands 148 including a support member suchas a support arm 150 are shown in accordance with some embodiments ofthe invention. Such a support arm 150 can include a counter forced camspring lift engine for smooth lift and tilt of the type described inApplicant's US Patent Publication No. 2004/0245419, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference. The support arm 150 canallow for ergonomic height, tilt and rotation adjustments and whensupporting a notebook, enables the notebook screen to be used as asecond monitor.

In some embodiments the support arm 150 is attached to a base 151 andincludes a tray 14 adapted to securely hold an object 18. The design ofthe tray 14 can comprise any design suitable to hold a wide range ofobjects of different sizes. For example, side rods 152 may be providedand thumb screws 154 may be used to tighten and set up the side rods 152in an appropriate configuration to secure a notebook. In suchembodiments, the side rods 152 can be adjusted in a push/pull fashionand secured with the thumb screw 154. In some embodiments the tray 14can accommodate a small docking station 156 or port replicator for usewith a notebook as shown in FIG. 13(c). The tray 14 can be positioned soas to provide a space for an external keyboard 157 for use inembodiments with a notebook.

Further, in some embodiments the support arm 150 includes integratedcable management. For example, cables 158 may be routed through thesupport arm 150 as best shown in FIG. 13(b). In such embodiments thecables 158 from the object 18, docking station 156, or screen are routedunderneath or through the support arm 150 to the base 151 where they areconnected to the various assemblies. Such embodiments allow a user toadjust the position of the object 18 and/or screen without having toseparately maneuver cables.

In some embodiments, stands 148 can include one base 151 with two arms150, as shown in FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c). Such stands 148 are useful forhaving a supported object 18, such as a notebook, on one arm and anadditional object 160, e.g., an external monitor, on a second arm. Insuch embodiments, the base 151 may be provided with a collar 162 tosupport the second arm. This embodiment allows a user to utilize anobject 18 with the additional object 160, each being independentlyadjustable.

Although FIG. 13(c) describes an exemplary stand 148 with one or moresupport arms 150 and a docking station 156 or port replicator for usewith a notebook, it will be appreciated that such a docking station canbe provided in any embodied stand, such as, for example, the stand 10described with reference to FIGS. 1(a)-5(c). In addition to, or in placeof a docking station, some embodiments of the invention include aninductive charger as shown in FIG. 13(d). FIG. 13(d) shows the stand 10with tray 12, base 16, and an inductive charger 165 adapted toinductively charge a notebook supported on the tray 12. For example, inone embodiment the inductive charger 165 includes a transmittinginduction coil which transmits electromagnetic energy to a correspondingreceiving induction coil within a notebook to power the notebook for useand/or charge a notebook battery.

FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) show a schematic representation of a stand 170with a deformable base 172 allowing adjustment of the height of theobject 18. In this embodiment, the object 18 is supported by the base172 which has a generally curved surface. The base 172 can beconstructed of a flexible material and a movement mechanism 174 such asa spring, a spring/cam torsion spring or other device causes the base172 to distort to lift or lower the object 18. In some embodiments aspring is provided to distort the base 172 into an upward type curvaturesurface. The object 18 creates a counterbalancing force downward.Friction between the base 172 and a horizontal support surface such as adesk may also be used to hold the height position.

With reference to FIGS. 15(a)-(d), several additional stands 180 withheight adjustability are depicted according to some embodiments of theinvention. Stands 180 may include a free standing base 16 suitable tosit on a horizontal support surface such as a desk. There are severalembodiments of stands 180 shown in FIGS. 15(a)-(d), and the variousembodiments contain the features of a low cost stand, an ergonomicheight adjustability, an easy adjustability to fit various objects suchas projectors and/or notebooks, and can accommodate a small dockingstation or port replicator and/or have space to store a keyboard 157when supporting a notebook. Further, these embodiments are capable ofone hand adjustment.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the stand 180 allowsthe object 18 to pivot to adjust its position. In this embodiment, themovement mechanism 20, such as a pivot mechanism, is provided proximatethe front of base 16. A pivot mechanism could be any suitable mechanism,such as spring, friction, or rotary cam device. The pivot mechanismallows the screen of the object 18 to get close to the user, if desired.In some embodiments, a keyboard 157 may be stored beneath the base 16.

In some embodiments, a movement mechanism 20, such as a pivot mechanismis included proximate the middle of a tray 12 supported by a supportmember 14 and the base 16, as shown in FIGS. 15(c) and 15(d). In thisembodiment a stand 180 is provided with a tray 12 to support the objectand the tray 12 can pivot or tilt about a pivot mechanism 20 proximatethe middle of the tray 12. In embodiments supporting a notebook, thetray 12 can be pivoted or tilted forward and backward which moves thenotebook screen up and down and toward and away from a viewer. In someembodiments, there is an extension 182 provided on the stand 180 thatcould be used to hold a docking station. The pivot mechanism 20 itselfmay work by either friction, spring, or rotary cam device. In someembodiments keyboard 157 may be stored underneath the stand to cleardesk space when the stand is in a substantially horizontal position, asshown in FIG. 15(c). Also in these embodiments when the tray 12 istilted back, a solid platform is created which enables the computer tobe easily snapped into a docking station when a docking station is alsosupported by the tray 12.

FIGS. 16(a)-(c) show perspective views of a stand 200 including amovement mechanism comprising a lift engine. The stand 200 includes abase 16 and a support member 202 such as a column. The base or thecolumn can include a movement mechanism, such as a lift engine/mechanismas described further below. The object 18 is supported by the supportmember 202, such as on a tray, and can be moved vertically to adjust itsposition. When the object 18 is in a relatively higher position thekeyboard 157 could be stored beneath the object 18 and above the base16.

FIGS. 16(b) and 16(c) show perspective views of the stand 200 includinga height adjustable docking station in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention. The height adjustable docking station may include adocking station 204 and/or port replicator adapted to mate with a object18. In some embodiments, a universal docking station may be provided byincluding a port replicator with a USB universal docking connection. Insuch embodiments the object 18 would be placed on the stand 200 and theuser would only have to connect one USB port. An inductive charger canalso be provided.

In some embodiments of the invention, a user's notebook docking stationelectronics can be built into a low cost, smooth height adjustable standfor optimal ergonomics. In some embodiments, this docking station 204allows a user to open and use a notebook screen while a notebook isdocked. These embodiments allow external flat panel screen users to alsoutilize the notebook screen. Further, in some embodiments, the dockingstation 204 enables the user to stow an external keyboard 157 underneaththe object 18 to clear desk space.

Referring to FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), in some embodiments the stand 200includes a height adjustable wall mount 206. The mount 206 can beattached to a vertical support and allow the object position to bevertically adjusted. In such embodiments a wall mount 206 with anysuitable number (e.g., two) of movement mechanisms (e.g., lift engines)is provided. A first movement mechanism 208 can be proximate the leftside and a second movement mechanism 210 can be proximate the rightside. The mount 206 itself contains a support member 14 that engagesboth the right and left side movement mechanisms. The support member 14can be adapted to hold an object 18, such as a notebook computer byitself or a notebook computer with an extra keyboard 157 on an optionalkeyboard tray 212, as shown in FIG. 17(a). In some embodiments each ofthe right and left side movement mechanisms may hold 15 lbs. for a totalof 30 lbs. and each movement mechanism can be mounted to the wall with aconnector bracket. Each movement mechanism can include a lift mechanism,such as, for example, a rotary cam system as described further below.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a stand 200 including a movementmechanism 20 comprising a lift engine according to another embodiment ofthe invention. The stand 200 can include a base 16, a support member 14,and a tray 12 for supporting an object such as a notebook or a supportelement 14 by way of movement mechanism 20 within the support element14. The tray 12 can include a retention slide 102 as previouslydescribed with reference to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the stand 200can include a second cross support 214 for attaching an output devicesuch as an external or second monitor. For example, a connector 216,such as, for example a VESA standard connector, can be coupled to thesecond cross support 214 for mounting a monitor to the stand 200.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lift mechanism 300 including a rotarycam that can be useful in embodiments of the invention using a movementmechanism as described above. The lift mechanism 300 generally includesa lift frame 302 with a first end 303 and a second end 305 that isdisposed in sliding engagement with a truck 304 upon which variouscomponents such as a tray can be attached. The lift frame can be coupledto any of the embodiments of bases described herein. In the embodimentdepicted, the lift frame 302 can include a first outer slide 306 and asecond outer slide 308 that engage a first inner slide attached to thetruck 304 as will be described more fully below. The lift frame 302 canalso include a third outer slide 310 and a fourth outer slide thatengage a second inner slide attached to the truck 304. The lift frame302 may generally be enclosed on three sides defining a cavity 312 andmay have an opening on the top and/or bottom. As shown in FIG. 19,balancing mechanism components, such as wheels, cams, cables, and energystorage members may be disposed within the cavity 312 in someembodiments.

FIGS. 20(a)-(d) show various partial cross-sections of the liftmechanism 300 of FIG. 19. With reference to FIG. 20(a), a side elevationpartial cross-section of lift mechanism 300 is shown according to someembodiments. Lift mechanism 300 can include a balance mechanism 314 inorder to provide a balancing force between the truck 304 and the liftframe 302. Referring to both FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), a wheel 316 ofbalance mechanism 314 is rotationally supported by the lift frame 302with wheel 316 being free to rotate about a rotational axis 318. In theembodiment of FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), wheel 316 comprises a pulley member320 and a cam member 322. Pulley member 320 of wheel 316 can be coupledto the truck 304 by a first cable 324 which is redirected by pulleys325. For example, the end of first cable 324 can include a stop 326which catches on upper hooks 328 formed on or attached to the truck 304.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20(a), wheel 316 may be urged to rotate in acounter-clockwise direction 330 by moving the truck 304 toward thesecond end 305 of the lift frame 302. In some embodiments, however,wheel 316 can be biased to rotate in a clockwise direction 332 by anenergy source. This bias provides a balancing force between the liftframe 302 and the truck 304. With further reference to FIG. 20(a), cammember 322 of wheel 316 can be coupled to an energy source comprising aspring 340 by a second cable 342 in the embodiment shown. A followerpulley 343 can direct the second cable 342 so that the spring 340 ispulled substantially longitudinally rather than at an angle.

In the embodiment shown, the output of the energy source (e.g., spring340) may vary as a function of a deflection of the spring 340. Liftmechanism 300 also includes an adjustment mechanism 344 that may be usedto vary the output of the energy source. For example, with reference toFIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), it will be appreciated that the spring 340extends from a spring plate 346 which is coupled to the first end 303 ofthe lift frame 302 by the adjustment mechanism 344, which here comprisesan adjustment screw. The position of the spring plate 346 relative toend 303, and thus the output of energy from the spring 340, can beadjusted by rotating adjustment screw 344.

In some embodiments, a torque applied to wheel 316 by the truck 304 viafirst cable 324 is substantially constant while a force applied to wheel316 by the spring 340 via second cable 342 varies. In some usefulembodiments, the cam member 322 is shaped and positioned so that thevarying force from the spring 340 is translated to a constant forcecounterbalancing the force exerted by first cable 324. For example, theeffective radius of cam member 322 can vary as a function of the angularorientation of wheel 316. With reference to FIG. 20(a), it will beappreciated that wheel 316 can have a first angular orientation as shownby a first reference line 350, in which cam member 322 has a firsteffective radius. Wheel 316 can then be rotated, for example by movementof the truck 304 and first cable 324, to a second angular orientationshown by a second reference line 352. In the second angular orientation,the cam member 322 can have a second effective radius. In someembodiments the effective radius of cam member 322 may likewise vary asa function of the displacement of spring 340, for example, as spring 340urges wheel 316 to rotate from the second angular orientation to thefirst angular orientation.

FIGS. 20(c) and 20(d) show a bottom plan view and top plan view,respectively, incorporating partial cross-sections of the lift mechanism300. As will be appreciated, the lift frame 302 and the truck 304 may beproduced by any suitable method. In some embodiments, they may beextruded out of materials such as, e.g., aluminum. Such extrudedaluminum may provide a lower cost alternative to folded sheet metal,while providing higher reliability over a longer life. In someembodiments, the orientation of one or more elements of the liftmechanism can be altered in order to minimize the size of the cavity 312in order to minimize the amount of material, and thus cost, of the liftframe 302 and slide 304. For example, with reference to FIG. 20(c),wheel 316 can be mounted about a rotational axis 318 at an angle 360defined between a midline 362 of the lift frame 302 and a longitudinalaxis 364 of the wheel. Similarly, with reference to FIG. 20(d), pulleys325 can be mounted at an angle 366 defined between the midline 362 and alongitudinal axis 368 of the pulleys 325. In some embodiments the angles360 and 366 may be the same.

FIGS. 20(c) and 20(d) additionally illustrate the first outer slide 306and a second outer slide 308 on lift frame 302 that engage the firstinner slide 370 attached to the truck 304. The third outer slide 310 andthe fourth outer slide 372 can engage the second inner slide 374attached to the truck 304. In some embodiments, rollers, for examplenylon rollers, can couple the respective outside and inside slides tofacilitate the sliding engagement between the lift frame 302 and thetruck 304.

Some embodiments of the balance mechanism 314 include a more reliableand lower cost method of coupling a cable to an energy storage member(e.g., a spring). For example, as shown in FIGS. 21(a)-21(c), a “bullet”type mechanism 380 may be used to couple second cable 342 to the spring340 in some embodiments. The bullet type mechanism 380 may include threesections: a larger cylindrical section 382, a smaller cylindricalsection 384, and an intermediate conical section 386. The second cable342 may be received within the smaller cylindrical section 384 and maybe prevented from withdrawing from the smaller cylindrical section 384by a stop 388.

The bullet type mechanism 380 may be configured to translate within thespring 340 along a longitudinal axis of both the bullet type mechanism380 and the spring 340. The inner diameter of the body of the spring 340may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the larger cylindricalsection 382 of the bullet type mechanism 380. The inner diameter of thebottom of the spring 340 may be smaller than the outer diameter of thelarger cylindrical section 382 of the bullet type mechanism and thebullet mechanism may be configured to contact the inner surface of thespring. In such embodiments, when a tensile force T is applied to thesecond cable 342, the intermediate conical section 386 of the bullettype mechanism 380 contacts the bottom of the spring 340, therebyapplying the tensile force T to the spring 340.

FIG. 22 shows a lift mechanism 300 including the cross supports 214 asshown in FIG. 18, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The cross supports 214 can be mounted on the truck 304 viamounting surfaces 390 as shown in FIG. 19 by any suitable method. Forexample, screws 392 can be used to mount the cross supports 214. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the truck 304 can include moreor less than the two mounting surfaces 390 shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, anda corresponding number of more or less cross supports 214. Once mounted,the cross supports 214 can be configured for attaching a tray 12 ormonitor connector 116 as shown in FIG. 18.

Thus, embodiments of the STAND SYSTEM AND METHOD are disclosed. Althoughthe present invention has been described in considerable detail withreference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation and otherembodiments of the invention are possible. One skilled in the art willappreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A stand for supporting an object, comprising: a base; a supportmember coupled to the base; a tray coupled to the support member, thetray having a generally planar tray surface for supporting an object onthe tray; and a movement mechanism adapted to allow the tray to movealong a range of travel relative to the base, and further adapted toposition the tray at an infinite number of locations along the range oftravel.
 2. The stand of claim 1, wherein the movement mechanismcomprises a pivot mechanism for allowing the tray to pivot along therange of travel, the pivot mechanism comprising at least one torsionspring exerting a force between the base and the support member.
 3. Thestand of claim 2, wherein the pivot mechanism further comprises an axlemounted on the base, and wherein the at least one torsion spring ispartially wound around the axle.
 4. The stand of claim 3, wherein oneend of the at least one torsion spring is mounted within an adjustmentblock, and further comprising an adjustment screw for adjusting thetension of the at least one spring.
 5. The stand of claim 2, wherein thesupport member comprises a bar linkage coupling the tray with the base,the bar linkage allowing the tray to pivot up and down along the rangeof travel with respect to the base.
 6. The stand of claim 5, furthercomprising a pivot, wherein the tray is coupled to the bar linkage withthe pivot so that the tray is substantially parallel with the base alongthe range of travel.
 7. The stand of claim 5, further comprising alocking mechanism, for locking the position of the tray along the rangeof travel with respect to the base.
 8. The stand of claim 7, wherein thelocking mechanism locks the position of the tray against the weight ofan object placed on the tray.
 9. The stand of claim 8, wherein thelocking mechanism locks the position of the tray against a force greaterthan the weight of an object.
 10. The stand of claim 7, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a slider bar including a slot, the sliderbar functionally coupled to the bar linkage and the base so as toprevent the bar linkage from collapsing when the slider bar is locked,and further comprising a removable fastener coupled to the base throughthe slot, for locking the slider bar to the base.
 11. The stand of claim7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotating bracket includinga curved slot, wherein the rotating bracket is attached to the barlinkage so that the rotating bracket rotates with respect to the base asthe bar linkage pivots the tray along the range of motion, and furthercomprising a removable fastener coupled to the base through the curvedslot, for locking the rotating bracket to the base.
 12. The stand ofclaim 11, wherein the removable fastener comprises a levered cam clamp.13. The stand of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises aplunger assembly including a plunger, an outer mandrel, an innermandrel, and a cooperating torsion spring wound around at least aportion of both the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel, wherein theouter mandrel and the inner mandrel are mounted to the bar linkage sothat the outer mandrel rotates opposite the inner mandrel as the barlinkage pivots, and wherein the plunger cooperates with the torsionspring to lock the rotation of the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel.14. The stand of claim 2, wherein the pivot mechanism is adapted toallow the tray to move along a range of travel from a first positionwith the tray being substantially horizontal to a second position withthe tray being substantially vertical.
 15. The stand of claim 14,wherein the base is mounted on a vertical support surface, and the trayis substantially parallel to the vertical support surface in the secondposition.
 16. The stand of claim 15, further comprising a link forcoupling the tray with the vertical support surface.
 17. The stand ofclaim 15, further comprising at least one track for moving the tray froma first horizontal position to a second horizontal position.
 18. Thestand of claim 17, further comprising a guiding arm for guiding the trayfrom the first horizontal position to the second horizontal position.19. The stand of claim 1, further comprising a docking station proximatethe tray, for docking a notebook placed on the tray.
 20. The stand ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises a back portion and a front portion,the back portion including a pad for providing frictional resistancebetween the base and a support surface on which the base is placed. 21.The stand of claim 20, wherein the front portion includes at least twowheels, for rotating the base about the pad.
 22. The stand of claim 1,wherein the tray comprises an adjustable retention slide for retainingan object on the tray.
 23. The stand of claim 22, wherein the trayfurther comprises an adjustable extension slide for extending the sizeof the tray for supporting objects of varying sizes.
 24. The stand ofclaim 1, wherein the tray comprises at least two side extensions adaptedto extend from respective sides of the tray, for increasing the size ofthe tray for supporting objects of varying sizes.
 25. The stand of claim24, wherein the tray further comprises a gear, and wherein the at leasttwo side extensions cooperate with the gear such that all of the atleast two extension arms extend and retract simultaneously.
 26. Thestand of claim 1, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a liftmechanism for providing the tray with height adjustability along therange of travel.
 27. The stand of claim 26, wherein the base ismountable upon a vertical support surface and the range of travel issubstantially parallel with the vertical support surface.
 28. The standof claim 27, further comprising at least one additional lift mechanism.29. The stand of claim 26, further comprising a connector for couplingan output device with the stand.
 30. The stand of claim 29, wherein thelift mechanism is further adapted to allow the connector to move along arange of travel.
 31. The stand of claim 30, wherein the lift mechanismis further adapted to allow the connector and the tray to movesimultaneously.
 32. The stand of claim 26, wherein the lift mechanismcomprises a frame and a truck, the frame and the truck in slidingengagement.
 33. The stand of claim 32, wherein the lift mechanismfurther comprises a balance mechanism for providing a balancing forcebetween the frame and the truck.
 34. The stand of claim 33, wherein thebalance mechanism comprises a wheel, a cam member, and a spring, andwherein the spring provides a force counterbalancing the truck.
 35. Thestand of claim 34, wherein the frame comprises a midline and the wheelcomprises a longitudinal axis, and further wherein the longitudinal axisis offset from the midline.
 36. The stand of claim 32, furthercomprising a cross support coupled between the truck and the tray. 37.The stand of claim 36, further comprising at least one additional crosssupport coupled to the truck.
 38. The stand of claim 1, furthercomprising a notebook supported by the tray.
 39. The stand of claim 1,further comprising a projector supported by the tray.
 40. The stand ofclaim 1, wherein the tray tilts less than 90 degrees along the range oftravel with respect to a horizontal plane.
 41. The stand of claim 1,wherein the generally planar tray surface supports an object with agenerally planar object surface.
 42. A method of positioning a stand,comprising: providing a stand including a tray having a generally planartray surface coupled to a base with a movement mechanism; moving thetray at least partially through a range of travel relative to the base;and positioning the tray at one of an infinite number of locations alongthe range of travel.
 43. The method of claim 42, further comprisinglocking the stand to retain the tray at one of the infinite number oflocations.
 44. The method of claim 42, further comprising placing anotebook on the tray and moving the tray using a force less than theweight of the notebook.
 45. The method of claim 42, further comprisingplacing a projector on the tray and moving the tray using a force lessthan the weight of the projector.